The air was thick with tension as the pack gathered for the vote, their eyes flicking between me and Lily. My heart pounded in my chest as I awaited their judgment, hoping for a glimmer of mercy. But as the votes were cast, my hopes crumbled. One by one, they turned their backs on me, their voices raised in agreement—Amia must be thrown out.
Damien, once my friend, now my accuser, was the loudest of them all. His voice boomed through the pack house, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "She has betrayed our trust and endangered Lily's life. There can be only one punishment—banishment!"
My breath caught in my throat as I saw Alpha, Damien's father, hesitate. He knew of our childhood friendship, the bond we once shared. With a heavy heart, he turned to his son, pleading for reconsideration. "Damien, think of the years of loyalty Amia has shown. Is there not a shred of doubt in your mind?"
But Damien, his face hardened with determination, shook his head. "I will not waver, Father. Amia has revealed her true nature, and she must face the consequences. My decision is final."
As if to emphasize his point, he turned to Lily, his arms wrapping around her protectively. Lily, that deceitful actress, let out a dramatic sob, her eyes glistening with fake tears. "If Amia had succeeded, my entire family would be gone. I would have lost everything."
Her words stabbed at my heart, twisting the knife that Damien had already plunged deep. I wanted to scream the truth, to make them see Lily's deception, but my voice failed me. I stood there, silent and broken, as they sealed my fate.
With a heavy finality, Alpha nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation. "So be it. Amia, you are hereby banished from this pack. You are no longer one of us."
The words hit me like a physical blow, and I staggered, my knees buckling beneath me. But there was no sympathy, no helping hand. Instead, it was Damien himself who dragged me to my feet and pulled me roughly towards the border of our territory.
I struggled against his iron grip, my eyes wild with desperation. "Damien, please! You know me, you know I am innocent!"
He said nothing, his face a mask of anger and betrayal. The pack members fell in behind us, their eyes cold and unyielding. They had chosen their side, and it was not mine.
As we reached the border, marked by the ancient oak tree, Damien shoved me forward, his eyes hard and unblinking. "Leave and never return. If you do, your life will be forfeit."
I stood there, my back straight, my head held high. I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing me broken. With one last defiant glance, I turned and walked away, my heart shattering with each step.
**
Days turned into a blur as I wandered, alone and bereft, through the vast wilderness. My feet dragged across the forest floor, each step taking me further away from the pack that had once been my home. The weight of my banishment bore down on me, and my heart, once vibrant and full of life, now felt hollow and numb.
I survived on the leaves and herbs that I recognized from my knowledge of healing. The bitter taste of betrayal lingered on my tongue, and my stomach often growled in hunger, but I persisted. I had to stay strong, even if my spirit was shattered.
The tears came unbidden, streaming down my cheeks as I walked. I wept for the friends I had lost, for the love that had been spurned, and for the pack that had turned its back on me. With each step, I left a piece of my broken heart behind, until finally, my tears dried, and my sorrow turned to stone.
My eyes, once warm and gentle, now held a hardness that reflected the harshness of my new reality. The gentle healer had faded, and in her place stood a different woman—one forged in the fires of betrayal and survival. My expression was a mask, concealing the depths of my pain, as if I had lost a little piece of my soul along the way.
As I ventured deeper into the wilderness, a biased animal, sensing my vulnerability, lunged at me from the shadows. In a swift and unexpected move, I reacted with a force that surprised even myself. My hand shot out, grabbing the creature by the throat, and with a sharp twist, I broke its neck with one blow.
I stood there, my breath steady, my eyes unblinking, as the lifeless body fell to the ground. There was no hesitation, no remorse. I had become a different person, hardened by the cruelty I had endured. The gentle touch that once healed now held the power to destroy.
I continued on my solitary path, my steps purposeful, my gaze fixed ahead. The forest whispered to me, and the wind carried secrets. I was alone, but I was not weak.
Five years had passed since Amia's banishment, and in a bustling city far from the pack's territory, whispers circulated about a mysterious potion seller. This enigmatic figure, always clad in a hooded robe that concealed their identity, had become renowned for their potent and effective remedies.People from all walks of life flocked to the small apothecary shop, drawn by the promise of cures for their ailments. The potion seller's remedies were said to work wonders for everything from burns to cuts, and even more mysterious ailments that plagued the citizens."Have you tried the healing salve from the new potion seller?" one person would ask, their voice filled with awe. "My burns healed in half the time, and the scars are barely visible.""I heard it's an old man," another would speculate. "He must have decades of experience to create potions of such caliber. His knowledge of herbs and their properties is unmatched."The shop itself was a nondescript affair, tucked away in a quiet
Thorne's senses tingled as he walked through the city streets under the cover of darkness. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, a warning sign that he had learned to heed. His keen eyes scanned the shadows, sensing that he was being watched, targeted by unseen assailants."Show yourselves!" Thorne shouted, his voice echoing through the narrow alleyways. "I know you're there."With a swift movement, figures emerged from the darkness, their faces hidden behind masks. They surrounded Thorne, their numbers reaching nearly twenty. The leader stepped forward, his voice cold and menacing. "We have been sent by 'that person' to end your life, Thorne. Surrender now, and your death will be quick."Thorne's eyes narrowed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "I know not who sent you, but I will not go down without a fight. Come at me if you dare."The masked figures lunged, their swords drawn and glinting in the moonlight. Thorne's blade sang as he drew it from its sheath, th
I woke with a start, my senses on high alert, my heart pounding in my chest. Something felt off, a nagging sensation that something wasn't quite right. And then I smelled it—the distinct, metallic scent of blood.My hand instinctively went to the dagger hidden beneath my pillow, a remnant from my solitary survival in the wilderness. I rose from my bed, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of intrusion. As I approached the door, I heard a soft groan, followed by a faint, pained whisper."Please... help..."My eyes widened as I recognized the voice. It was him, the man from the shop, the one who had seen through my disguise and guessed my true identity. My heart raced as I opened the door, and there he lay, his clothes torn and stained with blood, his body bruised and battered.I felt a surge of concern as I took in the severity of his injuries. Without a moment's hesitation, I sprang into action, my healer's instincts kicking in. I dragged him inside, shielding him from prying eyes,
A month passed, and the once-wounded man, Thorne, had fully recovered under Amia's skilled care. During that time, a unique bond formed between them—a connection forged through shared experiences and the healing power of her potions. Thorne, with his playful spirit, often teased Amia about her strict rules and the abuse she inflicted on him with her bitter tonics, but he always devoured her remedies greedily.Thorne proved to be an invaluable companion, assisting Amia in gathering herbs and ingredients for her potions. He learned quickly, his sharp eyes spotting rare plants that enhanced the potency of her remedies. Their days were filled with laughter and quiet moments of connection as they worked side by side.As the weeks went by, Amia felt a closeness to Thorne that she hadn't experienced in a long time. She found herself looking forward to their conversations, their playful banter, and the comfort of having someone by her side. Thorne brought a spark of life back into her solitar
Damien POV:I awoke with a start, my heart pounding as the remnants of a nightmare still clung to my mind. The moon's soft glow illuminated my chamber, and I sat up, rubbing my temples to dispel the haunting memories. It had been a dream about Amia—the day I stood against her, resulting in her banishment from our pack. I recalled the accusations, the anger, and the bitter taste of betrayal that had clouded my judgment.As I ran my hands through my disheveled hair, I felt a nagging sensation in the pit of my stomach—an unfamiliar feeling that I couldn't quite name. It was as if something was missing, leaving a gaping void within me. "What is this feeling?" I muttered to myself, confusion washing over me.I rang for Caleb, one of my most trusted confidants. When he entered my chamber, I demanded an explanation for the turmoil I was experiencing. "Am I going mad, Caleb? Tell me what I'm feeling."Caleb approached me cautiously, his eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and hesitation. "My l
As the weight of my decision bore down on me, I sought solace in the warmth of a bath, hoping to wash away the turmoil within. But as I sank into the soothing water, memories of our childhood came flooding back—memories of Amia, Lily, and me. Amia had always been the life of our trio, bringing fun and cheer wherever she went. A pang of sadness hit me as I realized how much she had changed, or so I believed.Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed my chest, causing me to gasp and sit upright in the tub. "What in the—" I began, my voice laced with confusion and alarm.The pain intensified, and I sprang out of the bath, calling for my men with a shout that echoed through the chamber. Within moments, my guards and servants rushed in, their faces etched with concern. I stood there, naked and vulnerable, as the pain clouded my vision and a strange tightness gripped my chest.I noticed one of my men, a young woman, shyly covering her private area as she entered the room. Her eyes widened at the sight
Damien POV:The moon cast a soft luminescence through the windows of my chamber as night enveloped the estate in its mysterious embrace. I found myself alone with Lily, the air thick with anticipation. She moved with deliberate sensuality, each step a tantalizing dance as she slowly shed her clothes, revealing her body to me with a sultry gaze. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her lips curved in a seductive smile.Lily approached me, her hips swaying gently, her fingers trailing down her supple stomach. With a boldness that ignited a spark within me, she reached between her legs, teasing and inviting. Her breath quickened, and her chest rose and fell with the rhythm of her desire.But something within me felt askew, like a discordant note in an otherwise harmonious melody. I should have been consumed by desire, my body responding to her every move. Yet, I felt strangely detached, my body unresponsive to her blatant advances.Lily noticed my lack of reaction and frowned, confusion
Amia POV:My mind wandered to Thorne, a man I had treated a month ago for a stubborn ailment. He had recovered, and I hadn't heard from him since. I missed his company; his presence had chased away the loneliness that often lingered in the quiet moments spent within these four walls.I chuckled softly to myself, a wry smile playing on my lips. "Amia, always the fool for longing," I muttered, shaking my head at my own folly. After being betrayed by my former love, I had sworn off men, vowing to dedicate my life solely to my craft. Yet here I was, yearning for companionship once more. I pushed aside the maudlin thoughts, determined to focus on the task at hand—preparing my potions and elixirs for the day.As I arranged bottles of various shapes and sizes on the shelves, carefully labeling each one, my keen intuition sent a warning signal. A voice, carried on the gentle breeze, caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. "Something bad is going to happen," I murmured, my eye
Amia's POV:I sat cross-legged in front of the potion-making furnace, carefully measuring out various herbs and ingredients. The warm glow of the fire illuminated my workspace, casting dancing shadows on the walls. I loved this part of the process—the weighing, the sniffing, the licking, and testing the quality of each herb. It was like creating a magical symphony, blending nature's gifts to craft something powerful and transformative."You know, you could hear a pin drop in here, and you still wouldn't flinch."I jumped at the sudden sound of Thorne's voice, his calm and steady tone a stark contrast to my startled reaction. He had a way of moving silently, like a shadow, and it both intrigued and annoyed me."How long have you been standing there?" I asked, a hint of irritation lacing my voice.Thorne stepped into my line of sight, his face expressionless, but his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Long enough to witness your mastery at work. It's quite a sight, I must say."I
Damien POV:The air crackled with anticipation as I, Damien, the future Alpha of our wolf pack, stood tall and proud before my fellow pack members. The weight of my impending leadership rested heavily on my shoulders, but my gaze was fixed and unwavering. Years had passed since we expelled Amia, a treacherous wolf who dared to defy our ways and embrace the dark arts of magic. Today, I intended to ensure that her name would forever be struck from our memories."Brothers and sisters of the pack," my voice thundered across the gathering, silencing the murmurs. "We gather here today to address a festering wound—a blight that refuses to heal. Amia, the disgraced wolf who turned her back on our pack, still lingers in the shadows, spreading her vile magic like a poison that threatens to corrupt our very existence." I let my eyes sweep across the crowd, meeting the fierce stares of my pack mates, their faces mirroring the burning desire for justice that raged within me."We will not rest, we
Amia POV:The weight of Thorne's promise settled on me as he carried me through the forest, his strong strides eating up the distance. I felt a mix of emotions—gratitude, certainly, but also a sense of unease. Being dependent on someone else for my safety was a foreign concept, and it chafed at my independent nature. Yet, there was an undeniable comfort in the solidness of Thorne's back beneath my hands."We should reach the outskirts of the city soon," Thorne said, his voice breaking the comfortable silence that had stretched between us. "Are you doing alright back there, Amia?"I shifted, sitting up straighter on his back. "I'm fine," I replied, my voice a little hoarse from disuse. "It's just... strange, being carried like this. I'm used to being the one taking care of others."Thorne chuckled, the sound rumbling through his broad shoulders. "Well, consider it a change of pace. You've been tending to everyone else's needs for too long. Let someone else play the hero for a while."I
Amia POV:The night had enveloped the forest in darkness, the moon casting an ethereal glow through the treetops. I, Amia, found myself bound to a sturdy oak tree, my wrists tied tightly with rough ropes that bit into my skin. Ioni and his four companions stood before me, their eyes glittering with malicious intent as they discussed the various ways they planned to violate my body. I argued, my voice shaking but defiant, even as fear clawed at my heart."How do you want to start, sweetheart?" Ioni asked, a cruel smile playing on his lips as he took a menacing step toward me. "Shall we begin with your sweet little ass, or do we go straight for the main course?"I glared at him, my eyes flashing with anger and defiance. "Go to hell, all of you!" I spat, my voice laced with venom. "You won't get what you want. I'll fight you with every fiber of my being!"Ioni laughed, his eyes roaming over my bound form with undisguised desire. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun, you can be sure of th
Amia POV:My mind wandered to Thorne, a man I had treated a month ago for a stubborn ailment. He had recovered, and I hadn't heard from him since. I missed his company; his presence had chased away the loneliness that often lingered in the quiet moments spent within these four walls.I chuckled softly to myself, a wry smile playing on my lips. "Amia, always the fool for longing," I muttered, shaking my head at my own folly. After being betrayed by my former love, I had sworn off men, vowing to dedicate my life solely to my craft. Yet here I was, yearning for companionship once more. I pushed aside the maudlin thoughts, determined to focus on the task at hand—preparing my potions and elixirs for the day.As I arranged bottles of various shapes and sizes on the shelves, carefully labeling each one, my keen intuition sent a warning signal. A voice, carried on the gentle breeze, caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. "Something bad is going to happen," I murmured, my eye
Damien POV:The moon cast a soft luminescence through the windows of my chamber as night enveloped the estate in its mysterious embrace. I found myself alone with Lily, the air thick with anticipation. She moved with deliberate sensuality, each step a tantalizing dance as she slowly shed her clothes, revealing her body to me with a sultry gaze. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her lips curved in a seductive smile.Lily approached me, her hips swaying gently, her fingers trailing down her supple stomach. With a boldness that ignited a spark within me, she reached between her legs, teasing and inviting. Her breath quickened, and her chest rose and fell with the rhythm of her desire.But something within me felt askew, like a discordant note in an otherwise harmonious melody. I should have been consumed by desire, my body responding to her every move. Yet, I felt strangely detached, my body unresponsive to her blatant advances.Lily noticed my lack of reaction and frowned, confusion
As the weight of my decision bore down on me, I sought solace in the warmth of a bath, hoping to wash away the turmoil within. But as I sank into the soothing water, memories of our childhood came flooding back—memories of Amia, Lily, and me. Amia had always been the life of our trio, bringing fun and cheer wherever she went. A pang of sadness hit me as I realized how much she had changed, or so I believed.Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed my chest, causing me to gasp and sit upright in the tub. "What in the—" I began, my voice laced with confusion and alarm.The pain intensified, and I sprang out of the bath, calling for my men with a shout that echoed through the chamber. Within moments, my guards and servants rushed in, their faces etched with concern. I stood there, naked and vulnerable, as the pain clouded my vision and a strange tightness gripped my chest.I noticed one of my men, a young woman, shyly covering her private area as she entered the room. Her eyes widened at the sight
Damien POV:I awoke with a start, my heart pounding as the remnants of a nightmare still clung to my mind. The moon's soft glow illuminated my chamber, and I sat up, rubbing my temples to dispel the haunting memories. It had been a dream about Amia—the day I stood against her, resulting in her banishment from our pack. I recalled the accusations, the anger, and the bitter taste of betrayal that had clouded my judgment.As I ran my hands through my disheveled hair, I felt a nagging sensation in the pit of my stomach—an unfamiliar feeling that I couldn't quite name. It was as if something was missing, leaving a gaping void within me. "What is this feeling?" I muttered to myself, confusion washing over me.I rang for Caleb, one of my most trusted confidants. When he entered my chamber, I demanded an explanation for the turmoil I was experiencing. "Am I going mad, Caleb? Tell me what I'm feeling."Caleb approached me cautiously, his eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and hesitation. "My l
A month passed, and the once-wounded man, Thorne, had fully recovered under Amia's skilled care. During that time, a unique bond formed between them—a connection forged through shared experiences and the healing power of her potions. Thorne, with his playful spirit, often teased Amia about her strict rules and the abuse she inflicted on him with her bitter tonics, but he always devoured her remedies greedily.Thorne proved to be an invaluable companion, assisting Amia in gathering herbs and ingredients for her potions. He learned quickly, his sharp eyes spotting rare plants that enhanced the potency of her remedies. Their days were filled with laughter and quiet moments of connection as they worked side by side.As the weeks went by, Amia felt a closeness to Thorne that she hadn't experienced in a long time. She found herself looking forward to their conversations, their playful banter, and the comfort of having someone by her side. Thorne brought a spark of life back into her solitar